The Federal Government has inaugurated a 10-member independent investigative committee to probe the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who reportedly died while in the custody of the Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, inaugurated the committee on Tuesday in Abuja and said the investigation would establish what happened to the detainees and determine whether any officials were responsible for wrongdoing.
Tunji-Ojo said the government received reports on September 17, 2026, that the 37 people detained in connection with suspected illegal mining had died in custody.
He described the incident as a serious development, stressing that government institutions should not become places where people lose their lives while in state custody. The minister also expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, the Niger State Government and others affected by the incident.
Following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive and transparent investigation, Tunji-Ojo said he ordered the immediate suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and all personnel involved in arrest, investigation, legal, station and guard duties between September 15 and 17.
He said the officers would remain suspended until the conclusion of the investigation.
The committee is expected to establish the identities of the deceased and document the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention. It will also determine the cause and manner of death through appropriate medical and forensic examinations.
The panel will further investigate whether negligence, misconduct, complicity or any breach of duty occurred and recommend disciplinary measures, compensation where applicable, as well as measures to prevent a recurrence.
Retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, was appointed chairman, while former Director-General of the Nigeria Law School, Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, will serve as secretary.
Other members include retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police Hosea Hassan Karma; Professor Olayinka Buhari, a Professor of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital; a representative of the Minna Emirate Council; and a representative of the Niger State Government.
The committee also includes National Secretary of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Liman Sulaiman; lawyer and human rights activist Deji Adeyanju; Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino of Blueprint Newspaper; and public affairs analyst Dr George Agbakahi.
According to the minister, the panel has the authority to co-opt experts, access relevant facilities and documents, visit locations connected to the incident, conduct forensic examinations and receive memoranda from members of the public.
Tunji-Ojo gave the committee two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report. He also directed the NSCDC leadership and relevant personnel to cooperate fully and preserve all records and material evidence connected to the incident.
The minister warned against any attempt to interfere with the investigation, destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the committee’s work, saying such actions would be treated as serious offences.
He assured the families of the deceased that the government would pursue the investigation and urged them to remain calm while the process continued.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Kure described the assignment as a responsibility to the country and assured Nigerians that the panel would conduct its work without sentiments or external pressure.
He said the committee would approach the investigation with an open mind and ensure that its findings were presented with the integrity of the panel preserved.
